Read Local 2024 kicks off Sept. 11
Wake County Public Libraries is excited to announce the launch of Read Local 2024, a celebration of local authors and the craft of writing. This fall, residents of all ages are invited to discover the creative voices within their community through a series of virtual and in-person programs.
“We’re thrilled to bring together our community’s talented authors and provide a platform for them to share their stories and insights,” said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. “Read Local is all about celebrating the creativity that exists right here in Wake County. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or simply love a good book, we encourage everyone to explore the opportunities available.”
Read Local 2024 offers a unique opportunity to connect with local authors, learn about the writing process and find inspiration. With a wide range of events tailored for families, kids, teens and adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights include:
Write Here, Write Now: Crafting Your Story
Wednesdays, Sept. 11–Oct. 16
6:30 p.m.
Virtual
Join bestselling North Carolina authors for this six-part series that dives deep into the craft of writing a successful novel. Get insider tips and practical guidance on everything from plot development to character creation. Participating authors include Heather Frese, John Kessel, Evelyn Goldman, Meagan Church, Mazey Eddings and Daniel Wallace. Learn more and register at guides.wake.gov/write.
Read Local Celebration
Sunday, Oct. 6
1–4 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Enjoy an afternoon of authors at the park! Bring books or purchase them on-site to be signed.
- 1 p.m.: Kwame Mbalia, award-winning and best-selling author of the Tristan Strong trilogy and editor of New York Times best-seller “Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood,” takes us on a fantastical journey with his newly released book “Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek.”
- 2:30 p.m.: North Carolina Piedmont Laureate Steven Petrow, award-winning journalist and author, reads from and discusses his newly released book “The Joy You Make: Find the Silver Linings – Even on Your Darkest Days.”
- 4 p.m.: Vanessa Miller, best-selling Christian fiction author, playwright and motivational speaker, will read from and discuss “The American Queen,” a historical novel featuring a strong Black woman who became queen in the post-bellum South.
Meet the Authors
Check the website for times and locations to hear local authors read from their books and talk about their writing journeys.
- Virtual: J. Dana Trent on Sept. 19; Halle Hill on Oct. 10
- Adult: Nicolle Morock on Sept. 21; Eryk Pruitt on Oct. 14
- Family: Donneyshika Thomas on Sept. 17; Chasta Hamilton on Sept. 28
Other Programs and Events
- Kids Programs: Hear Audrey Perrott read from her new book, “Moo Hoo,” and participate in a fun craft on Sept. 14 at West Regional Library and Sept. 28 at Cary Regional Library! Danielle Cosgrove will share parts of her book “Bear’s View,” a comical story about being part of the family from a pet’s perspective, on Nov. 12.
- Teen Events: Learn about making zines on Sept. 19 at Eva Perry Regional Library, and take part in post-it art, journaling and more at Read-a-Thon on Oct. 12 at North Regional library.
- Grief on the Page: A Conversation: Join authors Eileen Vorbach Collins and Heather Frese at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Oberlin Regional Library to explore the theme of grief as it appears in and informs their work.
- Write It: This in-person series for adults will feature sessions on character development and writing about nature. Participants will have the opportunity to share their talent at two open mic events with the Wake Forest Writers’ Group and NC Writers’ Network. Check the website for dates, times and locations.
All events are free, but some require registration. Get full details and sign-up info at wake.gov/libraries.
